Kenny White

Interview by Joyce Peters

June 2002
Reprinted courtesy of Taconic Press

I caught up with Kenny White in New York City recently to discuss his record, “Uninvited Guest” and his recurring dreams.

JP: Describe your process of writing for commercials versus for your own record.KW: You get paid for trying [grins]. You spend one day creating a song versus. 6 months on a demo record only to hear, “This won’t play on radio” or “You’re too diverse. I don’t know what to do with this.” “My Recurring Dream” came out very fast –.90% came out in a day. I love when that happens — it just feels right when it happens. The courage disappears
after you start thinking [laughs].

JP: On “My Recurring Dream” you sing about the rules of karma. Tell me more about your philosophies.KW: I’m not philosophical [laughs]. When I got on airplanes, as soon as I saw the babies and the priest, I’d say, “Okay I’m alright.” I’m not so sure about priests anymore [laughs]. I always thought people carried a certain karmic weight with them. But I sure don’t want to pay for someone else’s deeds.

JP: What were your expectations for your record, “Uninvited Guest”?KW: To make a name for myself as a solo artist. To get people familiar with my name. All I really want is for the clubs where I play to have an open mind and then I can prove myself. I don’t want people cutting me any extra slack. This isn’t about anything I’ve done in the past. It’s brand new. Did I answer your question? My shrink says I talk all around the issues [grins and smiles].

JP: Whose praise is most meaningful?KW: People who will be direct and say, “Kenny, that’s not your best work.” My manager, songwriter friends. There are a few people who I know will tell me one way or another. They won’t say black when it’s white. But it [criticism] stings. I grew up with blanket praise so I’ve become very mistrustful about praise to a fault. It came too easy as a kid. I don’t look to be criticized either [laughs].

JP: Which record producers do you most admire?KW: Daniel Lanois — when he’s not too Lanois-ish. You shouldn’t be able to hear the production on first listen. I like to listen and hear something new or surprising after 10 listens. I thought “Time Out of Mind” was a great record.

JP: What do you fear?KW: Failure, rejection, success. Success — because it means having to repeat it. I remember Seinfeld did a bit about how ludicrous it is [to fear success]. It definitely beats failure. I always question if I have it in me to do it time after time.

JP: What would people who really know you say about you?KW: That I’m kind, gentle, generous. People feel comfortable talking to me. I’m a good listener. People often tell me things they haven’t told anyone else. I think I don’t allow myself to judge because I’m so judgmental of myself. I’m trying to find the good in everybody because I’m trying to find the good in me. I think people trust me. I’m trustworthy by and large. I have a very calm exterior but I’m percolating on the inside.

JP: Can you describe your strangest gig?KW: Someone asked me, “Do you play ‘Blue Suede Shoes’?” I said we play mostly originals, but then he put a gun to my head and asked again. I said, “Yeah, I think I know that one. We can play that.”

JP: What was your family like growing up?KW: They were loving and supportive. I was terrible kid — I was a brat. I threw a lot of inner tantrums.

JP: Inner tantrums?KW: I guess they weren’t always inner [laughs]. I was very stubborn — I still am. I acted out a lot. My mother always said I couldn’t be punished. I never let them win. My parents are still married, going on 60 years.

JP: Do you have any pre-show rituals?KW: No. I prefer to race in without time to really think about it. I perform better that way.

JP: Do you want to be wildly successful? What would that look like?KW: No. You can’t do the kind of music I do and be wildly successful. I guess I was wildly successful doing commercials. I got respect from my peers that did a lot for me — gave me confidence. If I could headline some of these clubs and get more of these non-commercial radio stations to play the record, that would be wildly successful. If I could make records without losing money. To keep writing and keep connecting with audiences.

Restaurant Hours

Join Us on Facebook

Looking forward to hosting Francesca Beghe Music this evening on the Main Performance Stage. Call (845) 855-1300 for tickets.Getting into the groove with this incredible group of musicians and singers. Last rehearsals before our gig tomorrow at Towne Crier Cafe. So thrilled to be on stage in my own backyard! Beacon, here we come! ... See MoreSee Less

From Phil Ciganer

Friends –

As we celebrate our fifth year of operation in Beacon, we invite you to take a bow. We appreciate the great dining review in the NY Times and the Best of Hudson Valley award from Hudson Valley Magazine. But what has made it truly special is our vibrant community of music and food lovers. Thank you!